Certified Installer Network Strengthens Connections at OBICcon25
From January 27-29, OBIC’s headquarters became the hub of collaboration, networking, and hands-on learning as OBICcon25 brought together 75 attendees from 19 companies across the U.S. and beyond. OBICcon25 offered a dynamic lineup of 26 sessions, catering to these business leaders and installation professionals:
• 14 sessions on the business track – Focused on operational efficiency, marketing strategies, and growth insights
• 12 sessions on the installer track – Covering product applications, troubleshooting, and best practices
Hands-On Training: Building Confidence in the Field
One of the biggest highlights of OBICcon25 was the interactive, hands-on training that allowed attendees to practice essential skills in real-time. Participants engaged in:
• Spraying OBIC lining systems – Fine-tuning application techniques
• Pull testing – Ensuring quality and adhesion between the polyurea and the base material it is being sprayed on (i.e. cement or metal) for long-lasting performance
• Leak stop training with OBIC grout – Mastering effective solutions for common challenges in the field
This training was not just about practice—it was about building confidence in product applications and troubleshooting real-world scenarios.
The Power of Face-to-Face Interaction
While technical training and education are at the core of OBICcon, the true strength of the event lies in the relationships built. For many attendees, this was an opportunity to finally connect in person with those they typically communicate with through texts, emails, and phone calls.
• Group discussions were a major highlight, as installers shared insights on overcoming daily challenges
• Open dialogue sessions allowed for knowledge exchange, strengthening OBIC’s network of expert spray applicators
• Face-to-face collaboration helped reinforce OBIC’s mission of fostering a strong, skilled, and connected community of certified installers.
Why OBICcon Matters
OBICcon is more than just a conference—it’s a crucial event for both installers and OBIC as a company. It provides a space where:
• Certified installers get hands-on training to improve their skills and stay ahead of industry trends
• OBIC gains real-world insights into the challenges faced by installers, helping refine products and processes
• Best practices are shared across the network, ensuring that every certified installer upholds OBIC’s standards of excellence
This year, extra time was intentionally left open for discussions, allowing installers to educate each other and exchange valuable experiences. OBIC applicators are among the best in the industry, and their expertise is what drives innovation and success in the field. The response from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing that each year keeps getting better. Installers found the sessions informative and impactful, and the conversations sparked at OBICcon25 will continue throughout the year.
“Bringing our certified installers together each year is incredibly valuable—not just for sharing technical insights, but for learning what’s working, what isn’t, and how we can grow stronger together,” said Dustin Schlachter, CEO of OBIC. “These conversations from across the country help us all overcome obstacles and continue delivering the highest quality results in the field.”
To maintain this momentum, OBIC is committed to:
- Hosting quarterly check-ins with installers to keep the dialogue going
- Attending industry shows to reconnect and provide additional support
- Continuously improving training and education to ensure OBIC installers remain leaders in the field
Hear directly from certified installers as they share their firsthand experiences from OBICcon25—tune into our Trenchless Table podcast episodes to listen in!
As OBICcon continues to grow, so does our commitment to empowering certified installers, advancing industry practices, and strengthening our community. Thank you to everyone who attended OBICcon25—you are the heart of what makes OBIC successful.